Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Type: Permanent / Full‑Time Reporting To: Projects Director

Business Area: Life Sciences & Advanced Manufacturing

NIRAS specializes in the design and delivery of process-driven projects, providing Project Management, Engineering Design, Project and Managed Service resources to the Life Science, Food & Beverage and Advanced Process Manufacturing industries across Ireland and internationally. One of Europe's largest development consulting firms NIRAS employs over 3000 permanent staff and over 25,000 experts across our network including its 4 offices in Ireland and 51 offices in 32 countries across the globe.

The Mechanical Design Engineer will provide technical and delivery support for mechanical services on complex life science projects across biopharma, pharma, medical device and industrial sectors. This is a key role for the company and the role will involve ownership of mechanical scope, coordination with multi-disciplinary teams, and accountability for quality, programme, and compliance from concept through detailed design, construction support, and handover.

Acting as the primary technical authority for mechanical systems, the Mechanical Design Engineer will interface with clients and partners, and ensure designs meet NIRAS standards, client requirements, and regulatory expectations.

With excellent people skills, you will possess a proven ability to work in partnership, constructively and adaptively, at all levels from design office, to site, through to project handover, interacting closely with NIRAS colleagues, supplier/ vendor partners and directly with client project teams.

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• Lead the mechanical engineering scope across multiple projects or major work packages.
  
• Take technical ownership of mechanical systems including utilities and building services as applicable.
  
• Review and approve mechanical design deliverables including specifications, layouts, calculations, datasheets, and technical reports.
  
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and client specifications (e.g. GMP, ASME, PED, EN standards).
  

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• Support project planning, resourcing, and programme development for mechanical scope.
  
• Coordinate mechanical inputs with process, piping, electrical, automation, civil/structural, and BIM teams.
  
• Interface with project management on scope definition, change control, and risk management.
  
• Support procurement activities including technical bid evaluations, vendor clarifications, and FAT/SAT participation.
  
• Provide construction and commissioning support, including site queries, design clarifications, and issue resolution.
  

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• Lead and technically support Mechanical Engineers and Designers.
  
• Act as a key point of contact with clients, vendors, and contractors on mechanical matters.
  
• Participate in internal and external design reviews, HAZOPs, and technical workshops.
  
• Contribute to the development of best practices, standard details, and technical guidance within NIRAS.
  

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• Ensure mechanical deliverables meet internal quality procedures and project execution plans.
  
• Support audits and reviews related to safety, quality, and compliance.
  
• Promote safe design principles and support constructability and operability reviews.
  

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• Degree in Building Services or Mechanical Engineering (Level 8).
  
• Significant HVAC/ Mechanical Systems/ Building Services design experience in the Life Sciences sector.
  
• 8+ years in Bio/Pharma/API Design industries.
  
• Proven ability to successfully manage delivery of projects., acting in a client facing role on Equipment, Facility and Utility design projects.
  
• Previous participation in HAZOPs and Design Risk Assessments.
  
• Energetic and dynamic with excellent people management, interpersonal and communication skills to operate within a project delivery environment.
  
• Proven experience in project management capacity, executing projects from inception to completion.
  
• Proficient in CAD and BIM (REVIT / Navisworks).
  
• Experience in energy systems and energy saving analysis.
  
• Previous experience in highly regulated Life Science, Food and Beverage, Dairy or Highly Regulated Process Manufacturing Environments
  
• Ability to work in a highly regulated and quality-focused environment with deep understanding of cGMP and FDA regulations.
  
• Solid knowledge of construction methodologies and project management principles. xcfaprz
  

If you are a motivated and experienced Mechanical Design Engineer looking to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply and come join our team at NIRAS. NIRAS Projects and Office Locations

For a confidential discussion regarding this and our many other exciting opportunities with NIRAS, please contact Philip Cahill at or email your cv to